What is the BMI Calculator?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator is a health and fitness tool used to estimate a person's body fat based on their height and weight. It provides a numerical score that is then categorized into standard health ranges such as Underweight, Normal weight, Overweight, or Obese.
History of this Feature
The BMI formula was developed in the 19th century by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet as a simple way to measure obesity in the general population. It became widely adopted by health organizations in the 20th century as a quick screening tool. Our digital version modernizes this by providing an instant, easy-to-use interface that supports both metric and imperial units, making it accessible to a global audience for a quick health check.
Who Commonly Uses This Feature?
The BMI calculator is commonly used by individuals interested in monitoring their health and weight, fitness enthusiasts tracking their progress, and healthcare professionals as a preliminary screening tool. It provides a general indicator that can prompt further discussion about health and lifestyle with a doctor.
How to Use the BMI Calculator
- Choose Your Units: Select either "Metric" (centimeters and kilograms) or "Imperial" (feet, inches, and pounds).
- Enter Your Height: Fill in your height in the corresponding fields.
- Enter Your Weight: Input your current weight.
- View Your BMI: The tool will instantly calculate and display your BMI score and the corresponding category (e.g., Underweight, Normal weight, Overweight, or Obese).
Note: BMI is a general guideline and may not be perfectly accurate for all body types, such as those with high muscle mass.